Russell Brand was reportedly the victim of a snowboarding accident... Photo-5194518.70283 - seattlepi.com

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Possibly the most famous celebrity death hoax, pre-Internet days, was aimed at Paul McCartney. Theorists concluded that the cover photo of the Abbey Road album showed a funeral procession; Paul, the corpse, is barefoot and has his right foot extended instead of the left. less

Possibly the most famous celebrity death hoax, pre-Internet days, was aimed at Paul McCartney. Theorists concluded that the cover photo of the Abbey Road album showed a funeral procession; Paul, the corpse, is ... more

Photo: Apple/Capitol

Possibly the most famous celebrity death hoax, pre-Internet days,... Photo-5194519.70283 - seattlepi.com

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Vanilla Ice was said to have died in a car crash but he is alive and well. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Vanilla Ice was said to have died in a car crash but he is alive and well. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Vanilla Ice was said to have died in a car crash but he is alive... Photo-5194520.70283 - seattlepi.com

Actor and martial arts pro Jackie Chan was supposed to have "died" after suffering a heart attack. He had to post a message on his Facebook.com page to deny the claim, and even posted a recent picture.

Actor and martial arts pro Jackie Chan was supposed to have "died" after suffering a heart attack. He had to post a message on his Facebook.com page to deny the claim, and even posted a recent picture.

Those unusually dangerous cliffs in New Zealand also claimed the... Photo-5194539.70283 - seattlepi.com

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Though his 15 minutes of fame died a long time ago, William Hung was supposed to have sprouted wings after OD'ing on heroin. The hoax also claims he left a suicide note that read: "I have no reason of living . . . my art which is my importance to the best everybody laugh to . . . I make end here . . . goodbye world of cruel." less

Though his 15 minutes of fame died a long time ago, William Hung was supposed to have sprouted wings after OD'ing on heroin. The hoax also claims he left a suicide note that read: "I have no reason of living . ... more

Photo: AP

Though his 15 minutes of fame died a long time ago, William Hung... Photo-5194540.70283 - seattlepi.com